Titles and Ranking in Karate

• Titles and Ranking in Karate

Dai-Sempai: dai meaning “big” or great” and often used in the context “big brother of the class” (usually given to a 1st kyu brown belt and junior black belt)

Senpai/Sempai: means “mentor” or “senior” often used to indicate an assistant instructor (usually 1st and 2nd dan)

Sensei: means “one who came before” or has walked the path before and often used to indicate a fully capable teacher (usually given at 2nd or 3rd dan but can be given later)

Shihan: is a master title for a senior instructor (given at 4th dan and 5th dan) and equivalent to a doctorate degree

Renshi: is a master title meaning “polished expert” (usually given at 6th dan)

Kyoshi: is a master title meaning “teacher of teachers” (usually given at 7th dan)

Hanshi: is a master title for the head master of a style

Soke: is the absolute head of a style

Shodai-Soke: is the founder of a style